The 10 Scariest Things About Best Infant Cribs

How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs

The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.

Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.

Safety

Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be engulfed by the mattress.

The best crib cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.

Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.

The crib's slats should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.

It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.

Style

While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.

One important thing to remember is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not an area to store toys or clothing. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive help from friends and family in the event that you require one.

Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any toxic-free baby product, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).

Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and it's not as durable as our other choices.

Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be raised to a higher level to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.

Adjustable Mattress Height

It is essential that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This will ensure that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.

A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.

The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than most cribs, but one parent tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it and was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend after her second child.

Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's more expensive than other cribs, however it's durable and comes with numerous features that make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a like a womb for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.

This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they grow from infant to toddler.

No Dangling or Chewable Components

The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.

In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also consider how simple it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.

It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.

The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for nursery cots a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.

Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.

This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top rated cots-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.